FORMER Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson has sadly passed away aged 54 after a "courageous battle" with Cystic Fibrosis.
The talented dancer and choreographer, who was diagnosed with the illness at the age of two, died surrounded by family and friends.
His heartbroken loved ones said his "strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end".
A statement on behalf of his family said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson.
"Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis.
"His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.
"A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Julian became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars.
"Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show favourite.
"He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.
"Julian was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two.
"But rather than let this challenge define him, Julian decided to embrace life fully.
"He began dancing at the age of four and embarked on a professional career at just 14 – an incredible achievement for anyone, let alone someone living with a chronic lung condition.
"His determination and passion became the driving force behind everything he did."
Julian, who was born in Australia and moved to Ireland when he was 12, kept his CF diagnosis a secret for over 40 years.
The family statement added: "For over 40 years, Julian kept his diagnosis private.
"It was only in 2018, during an emotional appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy, that he revealed his lifelong illness and shared his dream of creating a charity to support the CF community.
"That night, he announced the birth of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (JBCFF) and said: "I have Cystic Fibrosis, but Cystic Fibrosis doesn't have me."
JULIAN'S MISSION
And relatives insisted Julian's legacy will live on in his "dream" project Tranquility House on Grosvenor Road in Dublin 6.
It continued: "Julian's mission was always clear: to provide vital support and services to CF warriors and their families, including a home from home while their loved ones receive treatment in hospital.
"His dream became a reality with the opening of Tranquility House – a space where families can find comfort and peace during difficult times.
'EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT'
"This extraordinary achievement was made possible by the generosity of over 130 companies and individuals who believed in Julian's vision.
"The remarkable transformation of Tranquility House, featured on Room to Improve in January of this year, is a testament to the power of community and to Julian's unyielding determination."
Julian is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, and his beloved nieces and nephew.
His family wishes to thank the Cystic Fibrosis team at St Vincent's University Hospital for supporting Julian throughout his life.
They have also thanked the ICU team at St. Vincent's, who cared for Julian "with tenderness and kindness during his final days" and the transplant team at Beaumont Hospital "whose care gave Julian renewed energy".
'FOREVER MISSED'
Dancing With The Stars boss Larry Bass and ShinAwiL said Julian will be "forever missed".
They said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson.
"Our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy, brilliance and talent to the world.
"His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation – his legacy will live on forever.
"Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed.
"The world lost a bit of sparkle today."
'BEACON OF JOY'
Dancing With The Stars judge Loraine Barry said: "Julian Benson was a beacon of joy and passion.
"Despite facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis from a young age, he lived with a heart full of love and an unyielding zest for life.
"His enthusiasm was truly contagious, inspiring everyone around him to embrace life with love and gratitude.
"Julian's spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest.
'LEGACY OF WARMTH'
"His legacy of warmth and kindness will forever remain in our hearts. I was so lucky to meet and spend time with him. There was never a dull moment only laughter. . . Rest in peace my beautiful friend."
Dancing With The Stars judge Karen Byrne said Julian was a "true gentleman".
Paying tribute on Instagram, she said: "So sad to hear the news of Julian's passing.
"He was a true gentleman and always there to give his advice in this crazy industry that we work in.
"Captain Sparkle will be truly missed."
'COLOURFUL PERSON'
Model Rosanna Davison also spoke of her devastation.
She said: "Heartbroken to learn today of Julian Benson's passing.
"He was such a brave, kind, encouraging, fun and colourful person and had a huge impact on those of us lucky enough to work with him and call him a friend.
"I first met Julian way back in 2002, when he cast me in the UCD 2003 Fashion Show.
WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS?
CYSTIC Fibrosis is a condition that affects the lungs and digestive system.
The lungs particularly become clogged with thick, sticky mucus.
It can lead to breathing problems and trouble digesting food.
In most cases, the condition is diagnosed in childhood.
Over the years, a person's lungs are damaged to the extent that they can stop working properly.
According to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, some of the "most severe" strains of the illness are in this country.
They said: "The impact of CF can vary from one person to another.
"There are some people with CF who live until their teens and there are others that live in to their 50s.
"Ireland has among some of the most severe strains of CF and also has the highest incidence (per head of population) of CF in the world, with three times the rate of the United States and the rest of the European Union."
"He was a talented choreographer and producer, an inspiring teacher and gave me and all involved such confidence on stage.
"It's hard to even express the positive impact he had, the encouragement he gave us and the enthusiasm he showed.
"He was so passionate about his @jbcffoundation and creating Tranquility House, Ireland's first home away from home for those affected by Cystic Fibrosis. What a legacy to leave behind.
"Julian will be sadly missed by so many of us. Sending all my love to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Julian."
Actor Rory Cowan remembered Julian as "one of the most positive people I've ever met".
'BUBBLY CHARACTER'
He added: "He was such a bubbly and joyful character.
"When you'd see him you'd just smile and he knew how to throw a party.
"I was at his Cystic Fibrosis charity ball a few years ago (when I bought a guitar donated by Niall Horan) and it was a fabulous night.
"Julian Benson was a one-off. A real original."
RTE Director-General Kevin Bakhurst also issued a message of tribute.
Bakhurst said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Julian Benson.
'CONTAGIOUS PASSION'
"Many people in Ireland will remember Julian as he burst onto our screens as a judge on Dancing with the Stars in 2017 and most recently joined forces with the Room to Improve team as he was the driving force to provide a house for the families of people with Cystic Fibrosis.
"He brought a contagious passion for life and for improving the lives of other people to the project.
"Julian has been a stalwart for people with CF and will be greatly missed by so many.
"My deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace."
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